So, I download Mandrake 9.1, because I'm getting bored with windows. Everything checks out fine and I install linux on a seperate hard drive, and the installation seems to work fine. Then I try to start linux, and it starts to boot, and all at once, my screen goes blank. Like the computer is turned off or something. The computer keeps doing it's thing, but nothing on the screen.


Now, I'm no pro or anything, but is it because my video card (spec's below) isn't compatible with linux? Or, am I missing something else?

I know my way around windows pretty good, but, I'm a complete NewB when it comes to linux. That said, here are my questions:

How can I fix it if I can't even get into the O/S?

Is there something I can change during installation so it will work?

Should I try only using one or two of the cd's instead of all three? That doesn't sound like an option to me, but I don't know if it would work or not.


Spec's:
Duron 1200
Biostar M7VKD
384mb RAM
SB Live
ATI Radeon 7000 (PCI) 64mb (please forgive me, it's all I could afford)
40 gb HDD (10gb windows xp home/30gb everything else)
20 gb HDD (10gb mandrake 9.1/10gb xp ghost)
Sony cd/rw
Another cd rom (don't know what make)

Note: I have another, older computer, but it is ancient. It's an old HP, with an AMD K6 333mhz/ 128mb RAM. Would it be better to try this on that computer? It doesn't even have a modem or anything, but I guess I could at least try it and see if it works.

couple of questions:
what is the last thing you see before your computer goes blank forever?
Does the floppy drive light go on and like never turn off when the screen goes blank?

Presumably you're not having problems booting into Windows? If this is the case, then I might suggest you boot from the install CD and enter 'rescue' mode. When you get to the rescue menu, mount your local partitions under /mnt (an option on the menu) and then goto the console. Type chroot /mnt and then cat /etc/lilo.conf | less - if you can, make an exact note of the file and then post it here. If you're feeling adventurous, then you could try copying the file onto a blank floppy and then just copy/paste its contents here.

Oh, I forgot to mention - if you can see nothing, it might well be that you have some options wrong in your bootloader.

Thanks for responding guys.
I can boot into windows just fine. That's where I am now.
I can see everything until it says "Starting:XINETD", or something like that. Everything says OK until then. No floppy light, just the hard drive LED.
I am going to try your tips now Thymox.

Thanks again,
KlutZ

Try pressing Ctrl+Alt+F1 when it all goes black. You should then see a login prompt. Use your normal user account (not root), it probably wont echo *s when you enter the password.
Then try the command startx. If you manage to get this far, explain what happens next.

After changing the partitions to /mnt, the screen still goes blank for a second, but it comes right back on and boots fine after that. I couldn't do anything in console. Now I only have to figure out how to get online.

OK, I give up. I had it going, but then reinstalled with everything I wanted (thinking that I could get it going again). Wrong! Same thing is wrong, but I can't get it to boot anymore. I don't know what I did different, but.....
I guess linux isn't for everyone.
I have reloaded it about ten times today, no go. Oh well!

Wellll.... I tried again, but on my other computer. I know I said I was giving up, but I'm persistent if anything.
Anyways, it installed, rebooted, and then got to what looks like it's gonna be a desktop, and freezes. I dunno!
Is it possible for an iso image to get corrupted while burning it to cd? All my iso's check out fine. And, I only need the first two with the most basic install options anyways.

If anyone has any other ideas, it would be appreciated.

Thanks
KlutZ

Yeah iso to cd can make a coaster. Try at half the speed of your burner, and check this link on how to check if it's still good.

Some installation tips for Mandrake 9.1 here:

http://www.mandrake.tips.4.free.fr/install.html

I particularly recommend you follow the BIOS settings suggested there.

If I start the interactive start up, and don't start service dm (whatever that is), my screen won't turn off. However, when I come to the line start local service, no matter what I do, I get to a command promt login screen. At least I can shut down cleanly from there.

Is there a way to start the GUI from command promt?

Yes, the command is:

startx

Well... don't leave us hanging?? Did it fix your problem?! Are you a new linux user?!

dm is Display Manager, which is any graphical login which then starts your window manager session.

Nope! The problem persists. And, yes, I am a complete nOOb. But, what better way to learn than to jump right in.

"startx" makes my monitor turn off. Wich is what, I'm assuming, is what Proud is suggesting.

In my investigating today, I found this:



Configuring X for Your Hardware

And this:



Running xf86config

Am I anywhere near to being on the right track here?
Yes, treat me like a nOOb. I really don't mind.